Prepayment-meter.



No. 806,722. PATENTED DEC. 5, 1905. J. J. WOOD.

PREPAYMENT METER.

APPLICATION FILED DEU.3,1904.

6 SHEETSSHEET l.

I-Wfh'il" W:-

I WITNESSES: @2 2 $2! By Aflorneys,

PATENTED mac. 5, 1905.

J. J. WOOD. PREPAYMENT METER.

APPLICATION TILED D130. 3, 1904.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

FIG. 4.

INVENTOR:

By Altameys, mzshmm o WITNESSES: $11 M/ PATENTED DEC. 5, 1905.

J. J. WOOD.

PRBPAYMENT METER.

APPLICATION FILED DEO.3.1904.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

INVENTOR:

PATENTED DEC. 5, 1905.

J. J. WOOD. PREPAYMENT METER.

APPLICATION FILED 1120.3. 1904.

6 8HEBTS-SHBET 4.

m CI PATENTED DEC. 5, 1905.

J. J. WOOD. PREPAYMENT METER.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 3, 1904.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

WITNESSES:

PATENTED DEG. 5, 1905.

J. J. WOOD.

PREPAYMENT METER APPLICATION FILED 1330.3. 1904.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

FIG. 22.

"'IIIIIIIIIII/ INVENTOR:

. UNiTED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

PHEPAYMENT-METER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 5, 1905.

Application filed December 3, 1904. Serial No. 235,412.

To all whom, it may concern.-

Be it known that I, JAMES J. W001), a citizen of the United States,residing at Fort Wayne, in the county of Allen and State of Indiana,haveinvented certain new and useful Improvements in Prepayment-Meters, ofwhich the following is a specification.

This invention relates to meters for measuring electricity, gas, orother commodity which are provided with a coin-receptacle and means forcounting up to the credit of the consumer coins, checks, or tokens whichhe inserts in said receptacle by way of prepayment for the commodity tobe used. The operation of the meter has the effect of counting off ordiminishing the prepayment credit step by step at a rate proportional tothe price charged for the commodity. WVhen the amount prepaid for hasbeen received, as indicated by the progress of the meter, the supply ofcommodity is cut Ofl automaticallythat is to say, in the case of anelectric meter the circuit is broken or in the case of 'a gas-meter avalve is closed to shut OK the gas. With such a meter it is necessarythat upon insertion of the first coin the supply of the commodity shouldbe turned on. As each subsequent coin is inserted the prepaymentmechanism should assume a position corresponding with the number ofcoins to the credit of the consumer. When as many coins have beeninserted as equals the capacity of the prepayment mechanism, the openingthrough which coins are introduced should be closed, so that no morecoins can be inserted, and as the totalizing mechanism of the meteradvances in proportion to the consumption of the commodity it mustoperate the prepayment mechanism in manner contrary to its originaloperation, so that it shall move toward its original or Zero position,so that as the amount to the credit of the customer diminishes theprepayment mechanism shall move back toward its initial position, andwhen finally the entire amount of commodity prepaid for shall have beenconsumed the prepayment mechanism resumes its initial or zero position,and thereupon cuts off the supply of further commodity. My inventionprovides an improved and simplified mechanism for performing thesesuccessive operations designed to operate with great precisionandexactness and to require the minimum of power for operating it to betaken from the totalizing mechanism of the meter.

According to my invention the prepayment mechanism comprises a movablepart, which I will call a credit-indicator, which moves from an initialor zero position step by step in one direction for crediting a customerwith the inserted coins and in the contrary direction for debiting himwith the value of the commodity used. This indicator has imparted to ita constant stress or torque, tending to move it toward its Zeroposition. The indicator is preferably a rotative part, as a disk orcylinder, and pressed in one direction by a spring. A coinactuateddevice is provided, which upon the insertion of a coin connects anoperating-handle with a counting-up device, so that upon the moving ofsaid handle the counting-up device is moved, and this device in turnacts upon the indicator to displace it one step away from its Zeroposition. The coin-actuated device comprises, preferably, a coin-drivingpart connected to the operating-handle, which by the insertion of a coinis locked thereby to a coin-driven part, which latter actuates thecounting-up device. The coin having performed its function isreleasedandfalls through a conduit into a coin-receptacle. The creditindicatoris marked with successive figures, which by its movement are carriedpast an opening or otherwise displayed, so as to indicate the number ofcoins-which have been inserted and which stand to the credit of thecustomer. The counting-up device comprises epicycloidal gearing in thenature of a sunand-planet wheel, the coin-driven part serving to turn apinion which meshes with and drives the planet-wheel and the latterrolling against an intermeshing internal or ring gear held normallystationary is advanced in a circular arc and being pivoted to the creditindicator turns the latter through the same arc. For debiting thecustomer with the commodity consumed the credit-indicator is connectedwith a counting-down device which is under the control of the meter,preferably by being connected to the totalizing mechanism thereof, sothat when the totalizing-wheels have turned through a predeterminedspace corresponding to a certain value unit of the commodity thecounting-down device is actuated and determines the movement of thecreditindicator in a backward direction or toward its initial or Zeroposition. In view of the delicate construction of meters usually and thevery minute amount of power which they may be permissibly called upon toexert it is important that the counting down device, while under thepositive control of the meter,

IIO

shall nevertheless require the exertion of the minimum of power by thelatter. Accordingly my invention utilizes the power stored in the springof the indicator during the counting-up movement to perform thecountingdown movement. To this end the countingdown device normally actsmerely to restrain the indicator from turning backward under the impulseof its spring and releases it at intervals. permitting it to thus turnbackward one step or prescribed space. The countingdown device is in thenature of an escapement, the anchor or vibrating stop of which isconnected to the totalizing mechanism of the meter, and the escape-wheelis geared (through multiplying-gearing when desirable) to the internalgear, which coacts with the planetwheel. The escape-wheel is heldnormally stationary by the stop and holds stationary the internal gear.When the stop is moved by the totalizer, it releases the escape-wheel,which turns through one revolution (more or less) and permits theinternal gear to turn through a corresponding fraction of a revolution,and this in turn moves the planet-wheel around the now stationarypinion, displacing its center through a prescribed arc, preferably ofequal length to that described by it during one counting-up operation.

It is desirable that the resistance to the release of the escapementshall be not only low, but practically uniform, in order that whateverbe the position of the indicator the totalizer shall have the same workto do in starting the counting-down movement. To this end theindicator-spring is made very long in proportion to the limited movementof the indicator and is initially under considerable stress, so that thefirst counting-up movement (from O to 1 is made against practically thefull pressure of the spring, and this pressure does not materially orperceptibly increase during the successive movements. Hence the stresstending to count down is not perceptibly greater at the maximum than atthe minimum indication, so that the pressure at the stop-tooth remainspractically constant and the resistance to the releasing movement ispractically uniform at all times.

For cutting 01f the supply of commodity when the customers credit ofpreinserted coins is exhausted I provide a cam recess or notch inconnection with the indicating-disk, which upon the final movement ofthis disk to the Zero position comes into coincidence with a roller orprojection on an arm or other moving part connected to the cut-offdevice, so that the movement of such projection into said notch servesto cut off the supply. The cutoff device in the case of an electricmeter is an electric switch, which by this movement breaks the circuit.Upon the insertion of a coin the first countingup movement carries thenotch beyond the projection, so that the latter is forced out and itsmovement is communicated to the cut-off device to reestablish thesupply.

When so many coins have been inserted as to displace the indicator tothe extreme of its movement, (which in the case of a rotary disk wouldcomplete one rotation thereof or less,) a stop device is actuated by thefinal movement of the indicator to prevent the movement of theoperating-handle to the coin-rcceiving position, so that thecoin-receiving slot of the coin-driving part cannot coincide with thecoin-entering slot, and hence no more coins can be inserted until by theoperation of the meter the counting-down device has displaced theindicator backward at least one space.

My invention provides a peculiar and especially sensitive escapementdesigned to oppose the minimum resistance to its operation by thetotalizing mechanism of the meter.

My invention provides also means for varying the price unit, so that themeter may be adjusted to deliver a greater or less amount of thecommodity for each operation of the counting-down device.

Having thus indicated the nature of my invention and the general mode ofits operation according to its preferred embodiment, 1 will now proceedto describe in detail a prepayment electric meter embodying thepreferred form of my invention.

Figure l of the accompanying drawings is a front elevation of myimproved meter. Fig. 2 is a side elevation thereof. Fig. 3 is a planthereof, these three views being upon half the linear scale of thesucceeding figures. Fig. 4C is a vertical mid-section viewed from therighthand side. Fig. 5 is a sectional front View, the front of the casebeing removed and the indicator-disk and its springbarrel partly brokenaway to show the parts behind. Fig. 5 is an enlarged detail of theescapement. Fig. 6 is a horizontal section of the upper part of themechanism on the lines 6 6 in Figs. 4 and 5. Fig. 7 is a sectionalelevation taken generally in the plane of the line 7 7 in Fig. 6 andshowing principally the switch. Fig. 8 is a front elevation, partly insection, taken mainly in the plane of the line 8 8 in Fig. 6. Fig. 9 isa fragmentary vertical section in the plane of the line 9 9 in Fig. 6.Fig. 10 is a perspective detail. Fig. 11 is a fragmentary view ofcertain of the parts shown in Fig. 8 in a different position. Fig. 12 isasection answering to Fig. 9, showing the parts in a different position.Fig. 13 is a plan of the totalizer mechanism and its appurtenances. Fig.14; is an enlarged fragmentary section showing the frictional connectionof the escapement-arms PP. Fig. 15 shows some of the parts of Fig. 7 ina different position, being partly broken away in section. Figs. 16 to20, inclusive, show a further development of my invention. Fig. 16 isasceing the prepayment mechanism.

front elevation of a modification wherein the.

prepayment mechanism and electric meter are in separate casings andshowing also the electric-circuit connections. Fig. 22 is a sectionalplan of the circuit-closer in the meter. Fig. 22 is an enlarged rearview of the circuit-closer cylinder.

I will first proceed to describe that embodiment of my invention whichis shown in Figs. 1 to 15, inclusive, where the meter is designed toreceive silver ten-cent pieces or dimes and where it is designed todiminish the customers credit at a fixed rate, which in this instance isten cents per kilowatt-hour. Obviously to adapt the instrument to coinsof other dimensions and to other rates of payment will involve changesmerely of proportion.

Let A designate the meter as a whole-that is to say, any ordinarymeterwhich in this instance is an electric meter and to which myinvention is to be applied. The meter is inclosed, as usual, in a casingB of any suitable shape and construction and which in this instance hasan upward extension B for inclos- Ihave not attempted to show themechanism of the meter A, except such part thereof as has some more orless immediate relation to the prepayment mechanism, since the meter maybe widely varied in construction without aifecting my invention. In Fig.4 the only parts of the meter shown are the disk armature a and thetotalizer A. The armature a is mounted on a spindle a, turning inbearings a a", mounted on a supporting-plate a, which is fastened withinthe casing B. The totalizing mechanism A is driven from thearmaturespindle by means of a worm b on the latter and a worm-wheel b,Fig. 7, on a spindle 6 which through any usual train of gearing drivesthe hands of the totalizer. The par ticular meter of which theseportions form a part is the 00d alternating-current wattmeter, for aparticular description of which reference is made to my application,Serial No. 193,210, filed February 11, 1904, (patented January M, 1905,No. 780,769.)

Within the upper portion or extension B of the casing is mounted acredit-indicator O, which is preferably a rotative disk or cylindercarrying numbers, which are displayed through an openingoin the frontplate of the casing. The indicator 0 may have any suitable support, thatshown consisting of a fixed tube or sleeve (Z, extended at its front endinto a flange which is screwed fast to the front plate of the casing.The indicator is provided with means for imparting to it a stress ortorque in one direction, which should be substantially uniform in anyrotative position of the indicator. The most convenient means for thispurpose is an involute spring D of numerous convolutions fixedlyattached at its inner end to a pin (Z on the sleeve (Z and connected atits outer end to the indicator-disk, as by hooking it over a lug (Z Fig.5. To properly inclose the spring, the indicator is made hollow to forma spring-barrel, being provided with a back plate C. The stress of thespring is in such direction as to turn the disk in a backward directionor to the zero position. The spring is wound to nearly its maximumstress in this Zero position. A planet-wheel E, Fig. 5, is carried bythe indicator, preferably by its pivotal stud a, being fixedly attachedto the back plate U, as shown in Fig. 1, so that the planet-wheel mayturn on this stud. The planet-wheel E meshes with a central pinion F andwith a large outer gear Gr, which latter is preferably an internal gear.

I will now describe the coin-actuated counting-up mechanism which turnsthe indicatordisk in the forward direction. The central pinion F is apart of this mechanism. Assuming the outer gear G to be held fast, it isobvious that any turning of the central pinion F will cause theplanet-wheel E to roll around within the outer gear and will therebydisplace its central stud e in the arc of a circle whose center is thecommon center of the pinion F, the indicator G, and the outer ear G. Thepinion F is formed on the end of a shaft H, which turns within thetubular sleeve (Z. This shaft H forms the coin-driven part of thecoin-actuated mechanism. For this purpose it may be variouslyconstructed; but, as shown, its front part is slotted through at H, asshown in Figs. 8 and 9, and this slotted portion enters freely within atubular or bar rel shaped coin-driving part 1. (Shown separately in Fig.10.) This part I is mounted rotatively in the casing on an axiscoincident with that of the shaft H and having a neck or journal I,which projects out through a bearing-hole in the front of the casing andhas fixed upon its outer end an operating-handle J of any suitableshape, which, as shown, is a disk or knob, but it might be variouslyotherwise shaped. The barrel portion 1 is slotted through on one sideand partly through on the other, Fig. 10, the slot being vertical in thenormal position, as shown in Figs. 4 and 9. The portion of the casing inwhich the barrel-shaped coin-driving part I is mounted to turn is ofcorrespondingly cylindrical shape and constitutes a projection B uponthe front of the casing. On the top of this projection is acoin-admission slot K, Fig. 3, which, as shown in Fig. 9, is verticaland stands in line with the slots in the parts I and H when the latterare in the coin-receiving position. If when in this position aprescribed coin is dropped in at'the slot K, it falls through untilarrested by the bottom of the slot in the barrel I, and then stands inthe position shown by the circle m in Fig. 4, with its upper and loweredges engaging the slot in I and its middle portion engaging the slot H.As the operator now turns the handle J to the right the coin will serveas a key for looking together the coin-driving and coin-driven parts, sothat rotation is imparted to the sh aft H and pinion F during ahalf-revolution or until the coin-slot in the barrel I has becomecompletely inverted and now coincides with the coin-discharging slot Kin the lower side of the portion B of the casing, so that upon ceasingthe turning effort the coin is released and drops out through the slot Kinto any suitable dis charge-conduitL. Thus the pinion F is turnedahalf-revolution and through the planetwheel E turns thecredit-indicator 0 forward one space or the distance from one figurethereon to the next. In the instance shown the inclicator is marked withnumbers from O and 1 up to 20, being divided into twentyone spaces, andthe gearing is so proportioned that a half-turn of the pinion F turnsthe indicator one twenty-first part of a revolution. To insure that thecoin-actuated device shall drive the pinion F always in the properdirection to advance the indicator and to prevent the pinion fromturning backward under the stress of the spring when released from thecoin, some means for preventing backward rotation of the shaft H isnecessary. The simplest means for this purpose is a ratchet device, theratchet teeth f being formed on the shaft H, as shown in Figs. L and 8,and engaged by a pawl f pivoted to some fixed part conveniently to theflange of the sleeve (Z.

It is necessary to limit the movement of the coin-driving part in orderto prevent one coin being used to carry the indicator forward more thanone space. To this end the coin-driving part or barrel I is providedwith stops which limit its movement to a half-revolution, so that uponreaching the coin-discharging position it cannot be turned farther inthe same direction, nor can it be turned backward to its originalposition until the coin is dropped out, and after discharging the coinand on turning it backward to the coin-receiving position it is stoppedwith its slot in exact coincidence with the coin entering slot K. Aconvenient construction of stops for this purpose is that best shown inFigs. 8 and 10, where the barrelshaped part I is at its rear end cutaway for a part of its circumference, leaving a projecting portion F,the opposite sides of which form shoulders g and g, which as the barrelis sumption of the commodity,

turned are caused to abut against any suitablylocated stops. Preferablythese stops are provided by the opposite sides of a dog 71/, which has aslight turning or rocking movement, being fixed on a spindle mounted insuitbearings and having fixed on its rear end an arm it. A spring a isprovided, tending to press the dog it and its arm /L to their normalposition, which is that shown in Fig. 8. this position the shoulder 9can enter an angular notch in the dog and is stopped by striking thebottom of this notch, as shown in Fig.

8, in which position the'coin-slot in the barrel I coincides with thecoin-entering slot, as shown in Fig. 9. On turning the barrel forward ahalf turn the shoulder 7 strikes against the upper side of the dog is.and is stopped thereby with the coin-slot in coincidence with thecoin-discharging slot K. For the performance of these functions the stopformed by the dog 7t might be immovable. The purpose of making the dogmovable is that it may serve also as a movable stop to prevent theinsertion of more coins than the prepayment mechanism is designed toreceive at any one time.

The creditindicator C (in the particular construction shown) is adaptedto count up not exceeding twenty coins at one time, and if an effort ismade to introduce more coins it is necessary that such introductionshould be blocked. For this purpose means are provided for rocking thedog lt when the creditindieator C has been moved to its extremeposition, so that on attempting to turn back the barrel I to itscoin-receiving position its shoulder g strikes the toe of the dog and isstopped in the position shown in Fig. 11, so that, as shown in Fig. 12,the coin-slot in the barrel does not reach coincidence with thecoin-entering slot, and an additional coin cannot be inserted. Thisrocking of the dog /1/ is very simply accomplished by providing on thefront of the credit-indicator a pin], which in the Zero position standswhere indicated in Fig. 8, and which as the indicator is advanced tocount up the coins moves in clockwise direction until when the indicatorshows 19 it stands in the position 1', Fig. 8, just above the arm it,and on the next movement of the indicator to display 20 it moves to theposition f and in doing so strikes the arm 71, and moves it down to theposition shown in Fig. 11, thereby tilting the dog it. At the nextbackward movement of the indicator the pin retreats to y" and the spring2" restores the dog to its normal position against a stoppin if. It iswithin this feature of my invention to apply any movable part forclosing the coin-entering slot upon the movement of the indicator to itsextreme position.

I will now describe the counting -down mechanism for moving thecredit-indicator backward at a rate proportional to the conas shown bythe 'IIS scares totalizer-dials of the meter. The work imposed upon thedelicate totalizing mechanism is reduced to the minimum by imparting tothe credit-indicator, as described, a constant torque or stress tendingto move it in the counting-down direction, so that the work imposed uponthe totalizer is limited to the mere control ofthese counting-downmovemeuts. The pinion F being normally stationary, the stress of thespring I) is exerted through the indicator shell or barrel upon thecenter of the planet-wheel E and thence upon the large internal gear G,tending to turn this gear in the direction of the outer arrow in Fig. 5.This gear is connected in any suitable way with the escape-wheel O of anescapement, of which the anchor or stop P is operated by the totalizer.In theconstruction shown the wheel G is provided with external teeth71:, meshing with a pinion fixed to a gear which in turn meshes with apinion Z on the spindle Z of the escape-wheel 0; but any otherintermediary gearing may be employed. The proportions are such,preferably, that to each release of the escapement the indicator shallturn backward one step or the space from one number to the nextthat is,with the proportions shown, one twentyfirst of a revolutionin order thatthe indicator shall always display some one of its numbers centrally atthe opening 0 to clearly indicate the number of coins remaining to thecredit of the customer. Preferably the escapement-wheel O turns at eachrelease one complete revolution, having one escape pin or tooth on, andaccordingly the gearing is proportioned in the ratio of twenty-one toone. The form of escapement shown comprises the escape-wheel O with itsone escapepin in, and the vibrating stop P with two pallets p so that inthe position shown in Fig. 5 the escape-tooth is held by the pallet 11;but on rocking the stop to the right to release the tooth from thispallet the other pallet p is moved into the path of the tooth, so thatas the escape-wheel makes one turn the tooth is arrested by the pallet29, which holds it until the pallet is vibrated back again to theposition shown, whereupon the wheel makes a slight advance, its toothbeing again restrained by the pallet p. This is in general a well-knownform of escapement and may be substituted by any other or equivalentconstruction of escapement adapted to perform the same function.

The sole work imposed upon the totalizer is to vibratethe'escapement-stop P. For this purpose the totalizer-train has added toit a spindle Q, which is geared in any suitable ratio to any one of thegears of the train in order that it shall execute one revolution foreach price unit or fraction thereof-that is to say, for example, if eachinserted coin pays for one kilowatt hour then the spindle Q must makeone revolution (or a determined fraction thereof) to such advance of thetotalizer-train asindicates one kilowatt hour. Most conveniently thespindle Q is provided with a pinion 1*, meshing with the gear r of thekilowatt-hour hand (or unit-hand) of the totalizer, the gears being inthe proportion of ten to one. The spindle Q is provided with anysuitable means for operating the stop P. Most simply it may carry, asshown, an eccentric q, engaging in a slot or forked end of an arm P,connected to the stop-arm P, so that to each complete turn of thespindle Q the stop P is given one complete vibration. To facilitate theadjustment of the stop P and arm P to the correct angular relation tocause the pallets to accurately engage the escapetooth, they are unitedby a frictional connection, as shown in Fig. 14, the hub of one armfitting somewhat tightly over the hub of the other. Thus, as shown, thearm P has a tubular hub s, which fits frictionally within a tubular hubs on the stop-arm P. The engagement of these hubs is so tight as tocom-' pel the two arms to move together as a single elbow-lever duringthe operation of the mechanism, while permitting one to be forciblyturned on the other during the original assembling or adjustment.

Fig. 5 shows in detail one feature of the escapement which differs fromthe ordinary form of dead-beat escapement used in clocks or the like.The under or working faces of the palletsp p are inclined or beveled insuch direction as to cause the pressure of the tooth on against them totend to move the stop-arm in the direction necessary to release this pinor tooth. By this means the pressure of the spring D against theescape-tooth m facilitates the movement of the stop-arm, so as to assistthe totalizing mechanism in its work of moving this arm to release theescape-wheel. It also has the effect of diminishing the friction of thepallets against the escape-tooth. The angle of these working faces maybe varied as desired, it being obvious that this angle may be made justsufficient to balance the pressure and eliminate friction, or adopting agreater angle the stress of the spring may be communicated through theescape-pin to the pallets, so as to tend to urge forward the totalizingmechanism or by adopting a lesser angle any desired degree of frictionmay be generated, which must be overcome by the power of the motorelement of the meter exerted through the totalizing mechanism.

The means for cutting off the supply of the commodity upon the credit ofthe customer being eXhausted-that is to say, upon the indicatormaking-its final movement to the zero position*may be variously applied.In an electric meter the supply is cut off by an electric switch, whichis opened to break the circuit. This switch is preferably operated bymeans of a cam-surface on or carried by the The preferred constructioncredit-indicator.

the insulating-bar T.

is that clearly shown in Figs. 5, 6, and '7, where a movable partconnected with the switch is pressed against the periphery of theindicator disk or barrel and at the zero position of the latter comesinto contact with a cam by which it is displaced to move the switch tobreak the circuit. In the construction shown the outer fiange or barrelportion of the indicator has a cam-notch into which at the zero positionenters the end of an arm R, having, preferably, an antifriction-rolleron its end. This arm is a projection from a rock-shaft R, from whichprojects another arm R the end of which is connected,through a rod Rwith the movable member of the switch and with a spring S, the stress ofwhich is exerted to press the end of the arm R toward theindicator-barrel. On the insertion of the first coin and the movement ofthe indicator from O to 1" the end of the arm R is lifted out of thenotch C and the arm R and rod R are thrown upward to close the switch,this being the position shown in Fig. 7. Duringthe succeedingcounting-up movements of the indicator the roller on the end of the armR rolls against the periphery of the indicator drum, as shown in Fig.16. Upon the final countingdown movement from 1 to O the arm R againdrops into the notch C and opens the switch.

The switch, which is best shown in Fig. 7, may be variously constructed.As shown, the rod R passes freely through a guiding-post S, againstwhich the spring S reacts, and carries a yielding washer S whichcushions its downward movement. On the rod R is loosely carried across-bar T, of insulating material, preferably stifl'ened by metalplates t t, riveted through on opposite sides. Near the opposite ends ofthe bar T are connected contact-brushes U U, composed of laminaeupturned at both ends to make edge contacts with flat under faces ofbinding-posts or contact-terminals V V, to which posts the respectivewires WV of the electric circuit or circuits are connected. Each of thelaminated contacts or brushes U is fastened at its middle to a yoke orstirrup-piece U, which is pivoted at t to The bar T beingloosely mountedon the rod R is able to rock thereupon and is pressed upwardly at itsmiddle by a short spring T, the tension of which is adjusted by a nut Tscrewing on the rod R The upward movement of the rod is suiiicient toseat the contact-brushes and put the spring T under sufficient stress toexert an upward pressure against the contact faces strong enough toinsure perfect electrical contact. By reason of the rocking of the bar Tthe pressure of the spring T is equally divided between the yokes U U,and by the rocking of these yokes on theirpivots t the pressure isequally divided between the opposite ends of the respective brushes U,so that at the four contact-surfaces an equal and uniform contact ismaintained. The switch is shown closed in Fig. 7 and open in Fig. 15.Necessarily the spring T is stiifer than the spring S. This constructionof switch is especially adapted to a prepayment electric meter of theconstruction provided by my invention.

The inserted coin after it has done its work of operating thecounting-up mechanism may be dropped into any receptacle from which thecoins may be removed at intervals. In the construction shown a conduit Lis arranged outside of the meter proper, its upper end registering withthe coin-discharging slot K and its lower end communicating through acurved branch conduit L with the coin box or receptacle M. In fallingthe coin acquires considerable velocity, and on striking the curved sideof L it is thrown backwardly into the box M, so that it is given atendency to reach the rear portion of this box instead of remaining inor near the conduit L so as to clog the latter. The box or receptacle Mis removably attached to the meter-casing, being locked thereto in anysuitable manner. As shown, the casing is provided with a fixed pendentrod M, the lower end of which is engaged by a lock N of any suitableconstruction, by unlocking which the box M may be displaced downwardlyto take out the coins. The lock shown has a barrel 30 with a projection35, and the rod M is held in a socket 36. Preferably the conduit L isfixed at its lower end to the box M, its upper end being insertedloosely into a socket beneath the slot K, as shown, so that the conduitcomes off with the box. The coin-conduitL is made as fiat or narrow aspossible in order that since it crosses the totalizer-dials it may notobstruct the view thereof. By this construc tion and arrangement of theeoin discharge conduit it serves a beneflcent purpose in vet quiring aperson reading the meter to look at it from directly in front, fromwhich position only can the meter indication be read correctly.

1 will now proceed to describe certain additional features of myinvention, whereby the meter instead of being adapted only for a fixedrate of payment is adapted for adjustment as well to various rates, sothat the distributer of a given commodity may use the same meters forall customers, adjusting them to operate the counting-down mechanism atrates proportional to the varying prices charged to different customersfor the commodity. For example, if an electric company is supplyinglights at ten cents per kilowatt-hour to customers using light only atthe busy hours or peak of the load curve it may be desirable to chargeat a lower rate say five cents, four cents, &c.to customers usingcurrent during the entire day, so as to encourage increase of use duringthe hours when there is the minimum load on the station. To enable suchchanges of rate to be made quickly and without the alteration of any ofthe mechanical parts of the mechanism, I have devised the variable ratecountingdown mechanism shown assembled in Fig. 16, which is a viewanswering generally to Fig. 5. Fig. 16 also shows a different form ofescapement, but for clearness of description I will first assume thatthe escapement shown in Fig. 5 is unchanged, except that the arm P foroperating the stop instead of being a slotted arm to be operated by aneccentric is a straight arm, which in Fig. 16 is lettered P to beoperated by tappets. These tappets are carried by a part which I willcall a traveler, which part is displaced little by little by thetotalizer to a greater or less distance, according to its adjustment,and is then caused to return to its starting-point, the escapement beingoperated at the extreme upper and lower limits of its movement. Thistraveler is preferably a drop, lifted intermittently and finally trippedand permitted to fall back; but instead of falling by gravity it may becaused to move in some other direction under the influence of a springor other means to like effect. As shown, however, the traveler consistsof a sector Y having an arm Y, by which it is connected to a pivot 10,around which the sector swings, gravity being preferably utilized togive it its return movement, which in this case is a downward move ment.The sector carries two pins or tappets o and w, which are relativelyadjustable to vary the distance between them. Preferably only one pin isadjustable, and preferably this is the upper pin w. As one means ofadjustment the sector has a series of holes a, in one or'another ofwhich the pin 10 may be placed. Preferably the holes are screw-threaded,and the pin to is made as a screw to screw tightly into any one of theholes. The tappet-pins o w are designed to act upon the end of the armP, the lower pin to lift this arm and the upper pin to press it down.The arm is capable of vibrating between fixedstops a" 11?, Fig. 18,being normally in contact with the lower stop. To hold the arm securelyin either its upper or lower position and prevent accidentaldisplacement, its end is beveled and engaged by a double-inclinedleaf-spring y. Any suitable means may be provided whereby the totalizershall lift or displace the traveler at a rate proportional to theadvance of the meter. 1 prefer for this purpose to apply a liftingdevice acting intermittently. To this end I provide the sector Y withsuitable teeth 9, and provide a lifter Z for engaging these teethsuccessively and intermittently, lifting the sector. The lifter Z isdriven in any suitable way from the totaliZer-train. For example, I mayemploy the same spindle Q, as in Figs. 5 and 13, geared to thetotalizer-train in the same or any different ratio, and instead ofapplying the eccentric q thereon I may fix on such spindle a gear-wheelg, Fig. 19, meshing with a pinion on a spindle Z, which carries thelifter Z, the latter consisting, essentially, of a crank-pin 2, which asit revolves takes under the teeth ;1 successively, thereby lifting thesector intermittently. As the pin clears itself from the tooth afterlifting it the sector would fall but for the provision of a sto p-pawl Ypivoted to the arm P and having its nose pressed toward the tooth by aspring 7/. The lifter is proportioned to lift the sector somewhat morethan the length of a tooth at each movement to insure the entering ofthe pawl Y so that when the lifter frees the sector it drops back afraction of a space until arrested by the pawl. Preferably the teeth arespaced the same distance apart as the holes w; but this is notessential. Preferably, also, the lifting spindle Z carries acounterweight Z to partially counterbalance the weight of the sector Y.The operation of this variable-rate escapement-operating mechanism maynow be understood. As the meter operates, the lifter Z is revolved at arate proportional to the advance of the totalizer, and at eachrevolution its pin lifts the sector Y the space of one tooth, the pawl Yeach time arresting it. This operation continues, the sector beinggradually carried higher until finally when the lifter engages thelowermost tooth the pin '0, which now is directly beneath the arm P,lifts this arm as the sector is lifted and in so doing raises the pivotof the pawl Y and by carrying the tail of the pawl against the stoppinswings the pawl out of engagement with the teeth, as shown in Fig. 20.The

lowermost tooth is made slightly longer than the others, so that whenthe lifter-pin 2 clears it the sector can fall freely without the otherteeth touching the lifter-pin. In this falling movement the arm Premains up, held by the spring 3 as shown in Fig. 20. The sector nowfalls until its adjustable tappet-pin w strikes the arm P" and throws itdown to its original position, as shown in Fig. 16, thereby releasingthe pawl Y, which enters again into engagement with one of the teeth.Thus an up-and-down vibration is imparted to the arm P, which in turnimparts it to the stop P, which, as stated, may be constructed andoperated as in Fig. 5. Vith the continued movement of the totalizer thelifter Z again intermittently lifts the sector, and these operations arerepeated.

Accordingly the sector falls more or less frequently, depending upon theadjustment of the tappet-pin w. If this pin is set in one of the lowerholes, the sector falls more frequently and the escapement is operatedoftener, thereby counting down the credit-indicator at a more rapidrate, and vice versa. It is easy by preparing a suitable table todetermine in which of the holes a the pin 10 should be inserted in orderto adapt the meter to any of a graduated series of rates of payment.

1V hen such variable-rate mechanism is used,

there is necessarily imposed upon the totalizing mechanism a greaterwork to be done than in the case of a simple escapement, such as isshown in Fig. 5. It is hence desirable to diminish the work or loadimposed upon the totalizer by the operation of the escapement itself andalso to reduce the blow of the escape-tooth on the pallets. To this end1 have devised a special and more delicate form of escapement than thetwo-motion escapement hereinbefore described. This special escapenient,which I call a three-motion escapement, has the effect of diminishingthe frictional retardation due to the stress of the spring D in itseffect upon the escapementpallet, and thereby diminishing the effortrequired in final movement to not only lift the sector Y, but todisplace the escapement-arm P. To this end I provide for gearing up fromthe indicator to an escapement-wheel, through a train of any suitablelength and in any suitable ratio, so as to diminish the pressure of thespring on the escape-pin to any desired fraction, and 1 construct theescapement when moved to release the escape-wheel to leave it free tomake not merely .one revolution, but as many revolutions as may benecessary to displace the indicator one space or to other desiredextent, and I provide means adapted to come into operation at the end ofsuch predetermined number of revolutions for stopping the escape-wheel,after which the escapement is restored to its original condition, readyfor a new operation. The preferred mechanism for carrying out thisfeature of my invention'is shown in Figs. 16, 17, and 18.

The outer teeth of the indicator gear-wheel G are made to drive a pinionZ either through such a train as is shown in Fig. 5 or by directengagement therewith, as shown in Figs. 16 and 18. The pinion Z carrieson its spindle Z a wheel 0, which resembles the escape-wheel O in havinga single tooth or pin a, but differs therefrom in that this pin is notan escape-pin, but has the function of a cam to act upon anescapement-arm P. The wheel 0, which I call a cam-wheel, is geared to apinion 0 on the spindle of an escape-wheel 0 carrying an escape tooth orpin m. The escape-toothm is normally held by the hooked end or palletpon the end of a stop-arm P which (like the stop-arm P in Fig. 5) is bypreference frictionally connected to the hub of the arm P (in the mannershown in Fig. 14.) Another arm P is freely hung on the same pivotal stud.2 and has at its upper end a stop-pallet p, while at a convenient pointit is provided with a curved nose or cam projection 19 which normallystands in the path of the cam pin a. WVith the proportions shown thecam-wheel O is designed to make one revolution to each counting-downmovement, being geared to the indicator in the ratio of twenty-one toone, and the escapewheel 0 is geared to the cam-wheel in the proportionof fifteen to one, so that its ratio to the indicator is three hundredand fifteen to one. Any other proportions are, however, ad missible. inoperation when the pin olifts the arm P this carries the arm 1? with itand withdraws the pallet 19 from above the tooth at, so that the latterescapes, as seen in Fig. 21. The escape-wheel then makes ii fteen turnsbefore it is stopped. iVhile it is making the fifteenth turn the pin aon the cam-wheel strikes the projection 12 as shown in Fig. 21, andpresses back the arm P, as shown in Fig. 21, so that the stop-pallet p"is moved into the path of the tooth m, so that at the end of itsfifteenth turn it strikes this pallet and is stopped in the positionshown in Fig. 21. These operations occur during the time that thelifting movement of the sector is being completed by the engagement ofthe pin with the last tooth, Fig. 20, and while the sector is falling.At the end of its fall and when the tooth w strikes the arm P and throwsit down this vibrates the arm P again toward the left, so that its endstrikes the pallet p and drives it out of the path of the escape-tooth,thereby restoring the escapement to the position shown in Fig. 18, readyfor the next operation. In so doing the escape-tooth moves upwardslightly into engagement with the pallet 1) A light spring f isprovided, engaging the arm P in order to hold it against accidentaldisplacement. Preferably the spring is bent to form two shallow notchesengaged by a small pin 7) on the arm. The spring is fastened to a pinprojecting rearwardly from the front plate of the support. The under orworking faces of the pallets p p" are preferably inclined for the samepurpose as described with reference to Fig. 5.

It is preferable with the three'motion escapement just described toprovide means for retarding the speed of the escape-wheel in order thatwhen its tooth m is stopped by the pallet p" the jar thereby occasionedshall be reduced to a minimum. For this purpose I prefer to constructthe escape-wheel O with external gear-teeth driving a pinion 0, on thespindle of which is mounted a fly O. This fly keeps the escape-wheelfrom revolving faster than a determined speed and prevents its teethstriking the pallet such a blow as will objectionably jar the mechanism.

It is desirable to retard the return movement of the traveler or sectorY in order that when falling only a short distance it shall not returntoo quickly to give ample time for the escape-wheel to execute thepredetermined number of turns and when falling at longer distance itshall not strike so hard a blow as to cause it to rebound. For thesepurposes I apply a retarder to it, preferably in the form of a dash-potY as shown in Fig. 16. This form of retarder is more effective thelonger is the fall of the traveler, so that its pin w always strikes thearm I? with the same force for any length of fall.

It is sometimes desirable to separate the prepayment mechanism from theelectric meter proper in order that the latter may be placed, forexample, in a cellar or other place which may be desirable, but where itis not sufliciently accessible to the householder for the purpose ofintroducing coins. In such case the counting-down mechanism may beoperated by an electromagnet or other device controlled by a circuitconnection leading to the meter. One suitable arrangement is that shownin Fig. 22. The prepayment mechanism is here inclosed in a case B byitself, while the electric meter proper is inclosed in a case B". Ofthemeter mechanism the only portion shown, is thetotalizer A. Theprepayment mechanism inclosed in the case B may be of precisely the sameconstruction already described, except that it is severed from directengagement with the meter, and its escapement is operated by anelectromagnet Q (which acts as a substitute for the eccentric q of Fig.5.) This magnet is in cluded in a separate circuit connection or shunta" at, leading from a terminal on one side of the switch to acircuit-closer operated by the totalizer A. This circuit-closer may beof any suitable kindas, for example, that shown, where twocontactsprings 27 27 (shown in plan in Fig. 22) are electricallyconnected at intervals by a metallic strip 28, carried on, but insulatedfrom, the totalizerspindle Q, (which latter may be arranged and stops.

driven in the manner described with reference to Fig. 5, so that at eachrevolution of this spindle the metallic strip touches the twocontactsprings, and thereby closes the shunt w, so that a current passeswhich energizes the magnet Q The magnet consequently attracts itsarmature Q which is connected to the escapement-arm .P, (which may beconstructed exactly like the escapement-arm P of Fig. 5,) to release theescape- Wheel and permit it to make one .turn, thereby counting down thecredit-indicator one unit. On the breaking of the shunt-circuit themagnet is demagnetized and the armature moves away from it, preferablyby gravity, thereby restoring the escapement ready for the neXtoperation.

It is desirable, to prevent sparking at the instant of breaking theshunt, to use a quickaction or jump circuit-breaker of any known kind.One suitable construction for this purpose is shown. The connectingmetal strip 28 is carried by a loose cylinder or barrel 280, ofinsulating material, which is mounted loosely on the spindle Q, so as tobe able to make about a quarter-turn thereon between A simpleconstruction of such stops is that shown in Fig. 22 where the spindlehas a cross-pin 281 projecting into and engaging angular recesses in theend of the cylable insulating-piece.

inder. A light spring 29, coiled around the spindle, has one endconnected to the loose cylinder and the other to the spindle or itspinion '2'. This spring presses the cylinder forward as far as the looseconnection will permit. When the projecting part of the cylinder touchesthe springs 27, it encounters sufficient resistance to stop the rotationof the cylinder, while the spindle Q continues to advance until its pin281 takes up the lost motion, after which it presses the cylinderpositively forward to carry the metal strip under the springs to closethe circuit. As the strip passes the springs 27, so that the cylinderbecomes free therefrom, the spring 29 throws it suddenly forward,thereby breaking the circuit quickly and preventing injurious sparking.The springs 27 are mounted on a suit- The construction of this circuitclosing and breaking device may be widely varied.

Preferably the magnet Q and its armature Q are both laminated, so thatthe device may be used on either alternating or direct currents.

The operation of my prepayment-meter is, briefly stated, as follows:Starting with the zero position, where the switch is open, Figs. 5, 8,and 15, the insertion of the first coin, followed by a half-turn of thehandle J to the right, displaces the credit-indicator one space, therebyclosing the switch, Fig. 7, and displaying the figure 1. Thereafter asmany more coins may be successively introduced as are within thecapacity of the instrument. As each coin is inserted the coin-drivingpart or barrel I must be turned with its coin-re ceiving slot uppermost,Fig. 9, whereupon the coin falls to the position 00 in Fig. 4:, and ongiving this barrel a half-turn to the right the coin transmits motionthrough the coin-driven part or spindle H to the pinion F, which turnsthe planet-wheel E, which, rolling against the stationary internal gearG, imparts movement to the indicator O. The coin is dropped out throughthe dischargingslot K and falls through conduit L into the box M, thehandle J being turned back a half-turn to the coinreceiving positionbefore the next coin is admitted. Thus the pinion F turns forward ahalf-turn for each coin inserted, and each time the indicator O turnsforward one space, thereby counting up the coins and indicating thenumber of coins inserted. WVhen the full number (twenty in thisinstance) has been inserted, the stop it is displaced, Fig. 11, so thatthe barrel I cannot be turned back farther than is shown in Fig. 11 andno more coins can be inserted. As the current is consumed the operationof the meter counts up on the totalizing mechanism in the well-known manner, and at predetermined intervals this mechanism rocks theescapement-arm P, so that its pallets release the escape-wheel O, Fig.5, and permit the latter to make one revolution under the impulse of thespring D, whereby the gear-Wheel Gr turns in the direction of the arrowin Fig. 5 far enough to permit the indicator C to turn back one space,thereby counting down one number and showing that current correspondingin value to one coin has been consumed. In case the variable-ratemechanism shown'in Figs. 16 to 21 is used the operation of thetotalizing mechanism acts to repeatedly lift the traveler or sector Yuntil its pin 2) rocks the lever P and releases the escapement, whichpermits the gearwheel G to turn to the stated extent and equally causesa single counting-down movement of the indicator, this movement beingstopped by the arrest of the escape-tooth on by the pallet pfl Fig. 21,and upon the pin 10 on the sector Y striking the lever P the parts arerestored for the next operation. lVhen the indicator executes its lastcounting-down movement from 1 to 0, the lever-arm R drops into thecam-notch c and the switch is thrown open by its spring S, therebybreaking the circuit and shutting off the customers lights until heagain feeds one or more coins into the meter.

It must not be inferred from the particularity with which I havedescribed the preferred details of construction that my invention islimited to the use of these details. My

invention may be variously applied by resorting to a wide range ofequivalents for the specific devices or elements described. Theconstruction and proportions may be variously modified in order to adaptmy invention to the varied requirements of practice. For example, it isto be understood that the part WhichI have called an indicator orcreditindicator need not necessarily display any indication whatever,since its mechanical functions would be precisely the same if it carriedno figures on its face or if the window 0 were omitted or closed over.This so-called indicator need not move in a circular path, although thisis most convenient.

The special features of the switch herein shown are not claimed in mypresent application, but are claimed in my divisional application,Serial No. 257,838, filed April 28, 1905.

I do not in this application claim those features of the coin-box,conduit, lock, &c. herein set forth, which are applicable to receivingthe coin from any other coin-actuated apparatus, such features beingdisclosed in a separate application, partly divided out from the presentone, filed September 21, 1905, Serial No.

- actuated mechanism adapted for movingit forward by definite stepsagainst the stress thereof to credit the coins inserted, and meanscontrolled by the meter for releasing it and permittingit to movebackward to debit the value of the commodity measured.

2. The combination with a meter of a rotary credit-indicator, meanstending to move it in a backward direction, a coin-actuated counting-updevice comprising a planet-gear, for moving it in a forward direction,to credit the coins inserted, and means controlled by the meter forreleasing it and permitting it to move backward to debit the value ofthe commodity measured.

3. The combination with a meter of acreditindicator, means tending tomove it in a backward direction, a coin-actuated mechanism for moving itforward to credit the coins inserted, and an escapement controlled bythe meter for releasingit atdefinite intervals and permitting it to movebackward to debit the value of the commodity measured.

4. The combination with a meter of a rotary credit-indicator, meanstending to move it in a backward direction, and a counting-up mechanismfor advancing the indicator to credit an inserted coin, comprising aplanet-wheel carried by said indicator, a normally stationary internalgear meshing with said wheel, a central pinion meshing with saidwheel,and a coinactuated device for turning said pinion.

5. The combination with a meterof a rotary credit-indicator, and acounting-up mechanism for advancing the indicator to credit an insertedcoin, comprising aplanet-wheel, a pinion meshing therewith, acoin-actuated device for turning the pinion forward, and means forpreventing the backward turning of the pinion.

6. The combination with a meter of a rotary credit-indicator, meanstending to move it backward and a counting-up mechanism for advancingthe indicator against the stress of said means to credit an insertedcoin, comprising a coin-driven rotary part, means for preventing itsturning backward, a reciprocating coin-driving part having anoperating-handle, and stops for limiting the movements thereof, saidpart adapted upon its forward movement when a coin is interposed, toturn said coin-driven part, and to move backward only when the coin isabsent.

7. The combination of a casing having a coin-entering slot, a movablecoin-driving part having an operating-handle and a slot which in oneposition registers with said coin-entering slot, 2. coindriven partadapted to be locked to said driving part by an inserted coin, anindicator movable by said coin-driven part, and a movable stop displacedby said indicator in its final movement, and when displaced entering thepath of said coin-driving part to prevent its movement to bring its slotinto coincidence with the coin-entering slot.

8. The combination with a meter,ofa creditindicator, a coin-actuatedmechanism for dis- IIO placing it to credit the coins inserted, a casinghaving a coin-entering slot, a movable coin-receiving part having a slotwhich in one position registers with said coin-entering slot, and amovable stop' displaced by said indicator in its final movement andadapted to prevent the movement of said coin-receiving part with itsslot in coincidence with said coinentering slot, whereby to prevent theinsertion of another coin.

9. The combination of a casing having a coin-entering slot, a barrelhaving an operating-handle and a slot which in one position registerswith said coin-entering slot, an indicator, means for displacing it bythe action of an admitted coin, and a movable stop adapted to bedisplaced by said indicator in its final movement and when so displacedto engage a shoulder on said barrel and prevent the movement of thelatter to bring its slot into coincidence with the coin-entering slot,whereby to prevent the insertion of another coin.

10. The combination with a meter of a credit-indicator means impartingto it a constant tendency to move in a backward direction, means adaptedfor displacing itin a forward direction, and means for controlling itsmovement in the backward direction comprising a gear connected to saidindicator, an escape-wheel connected to said gear to be turned thereby,and an escapement-stop engaging said escape-wheel and connected to thetotalizing mechanism of the meter to be vibrated thereby.

11. The combination with a meter of a rotary credit-indicator meansimparting to it a constant tendency to move in one direction, a centralpinion, a planet-wheel carried by said indicator meshing with saidpinion, a normally stationary internal gear meshing with saidplanet-wheel, an escape-w heel geared to said internal gear, and anescapement-stop engaging said escape-wheel and connected to thetotalizing mechanism of the meter to be vibrated thereby.

12. The combination with a meter comprising a totalizing mechanism, ofan indicator, a coin-actuated mechanism for advancing it, and anescapement for controlling its backward movement, comprising anescape-wheel and a stop-lever having two arms, one carrying a pallet forengagement with the escape-Wheel and the other vibrated by thetotalizing mechanism, and said arms united by a frictional engagement tofacilitate adjustment.

13. The combination with a meter of a credit-indicator movable backwardand forward Within limits, a means tending to move it in a backwarddirection and exerting a substantially constant stress, a coin actuatedcounting-up mechanism for moving the indicator forward against thestress of said means, and a counting-down mechanism controlled by themeter for releasing the indicator and permitting it to move backwardunder said stress, whereby said counting-down mechanism operates under asubstantially uniform resistance.

14. The combination with a meter of a credit-indicator movable backwardand forward within limits, a spring tending tomove it in a backwarddirection and of a length sufficiently in excess of the flexurecorresponding to the extreme movement of said indicator to exert asubstantially constant stress at all positions thereof, a coin-actuatedcounting-up mechanism for moving the indicator forward against thestress of said spring, and a counting-down mechanism controlled by themeter for releasing the indicator and permitting it to move backwardunder said stress, whereby said counting-down mechanism operates under asubstantially uniform resistance.

15. The combination with a meter of a rotary credit-indicator having alimited movement, an involute spring of many convolutions appliedthereto, under an initial stress at the zero position of said indicator,and of such length as to exert a substantially constant stress duringthe entire range of movement thereof, a coin-actuated counting-upmechanism adapted to turn said indicator against the stress of saidspring, and a counting-down mechanism operated by the meter forreleasing said indicator and permitting it to turn backward under thestress of said spring, whereby the counting-down mechanism operatesunder a substantially uniform resistance.

16. The combination with a meter of an in- I dicator tending to move inone direction, an escapement for controlling such movement, and meansfor operating the stop-arm of said escapement under control of thetotalizing mechanism of the meter, comprising a traveler, operativelyengaging said stop-arm, means operated by the totalizing mechanism fordisplacing said traveler at a rate proportional to the advance of themeter, and a releasing device adapted at the extreme displacement ofsaid traveler to release it and permit it to return to itsstarting-point.

17. The combination with a meter of an indicator tending to move inonedirection, an escapement for controlling such movement, and means foroperating the stop-arm of said escapement under control of thetotalizing mechanism of the meter, comprising a traveler, a meansoperated by the totalizing mechanism adapted to displace said travelerat a rate pro portional to the advance of the meter, a releasing deviceadapted at the extreme displacement of said traveler to release it andpermit it to return to its starting-point, and a connection between saidtraveler and stop-arm whereby the latter is given one complete vibrationto each complete movement of the traveler, adjustable to vary the extentof such movement.

18. The combination with a meter of an indicator tending to move in onedirection,an escapement for controlling such movement, and means foroperating the stop-arm of said escapement under control of thetotalizing mechanism of the meter, comprising a traveler, a meansoperated by the totalizing mechanism adapted to displace said travelerat a rate proportional to the advance of the meter, a releasing deviceadapted at the extreme displacement of said traveler to release it andpermit it to return to its starting-point, and two tappets carried bysaid traveler adapted to operate the escapement stop-arm and saidreleasing mechanism, one of said tappets being adjustable to vary themovement of said traveler.

19. The combination with a meter of an indicator tending to move in onedirection, an escapement for controlling such movement, and means foroperating the stop-arm of said escapement under control of thetotalizing mechanism of the meter, comprising a traveler, a meansoperated by the totalizing mechanism adapted to intermittently lift saidtraveler, a releasing device for permitting said traveler 'to fall, saidtraveler carrying tappets adapted to engage and operate said stop-armand releasing device, and one of said tappcts being adjustable toward orfrom the other to vary the extent of movement of the traveler.

20. The combination with a meter of an indicator tending to move in onedirection, an escapement for controlling such movement, and means foroperating the stop-arm of said escapement under control of thetotalizing mechanism of the meter comprising a traveler havingratchet-teeth, means operated by the totalizing mechanism forintermittently engaging said teeth to displace the traveler, aretaming-pawl engaging said teeth for holding the traveler displaced,and means operative when the traveler has reached its extreme dis.-placement for withdrawing said pawl to permit the traveler to return.

21. The combination with a meter of an indicator tending to move in onedirection, an escapementfor controlling such movement, and means foroperating the stop-arm of said escapement under control of thetotalizing mechanism of the meter comprising a traveler havingratchet-teeth, a rotary tappet on a spindle driven by the totalizingmechanism for successively engaging said teeth to intermittentlydisplace the traveler, a retaining-pawl en gaging said teeth for holdingthe traveler displaced, and means operative when the traveler hasreached its extreme displaceinentfor withdrawing said pawl to permit thetraveler to return.

22. The combination with a meter of an indicator, a coin-actuatedmechanism for advancing it in one direction, and means controlled by themeter for determining its movement in the contrary direction, said meanscomprising a movable part moved by the meter and adjustable to vary therate of payment.

23. The combination with a meter of an indicator, a coin-actuatedmechanism for advancing it in one direction to credit the coinsinserted, and means for moving it in the contrary direction controlledby the meter, said means comprising an adjustable part adapted by itsadjustment to vary the rate of payment.

24:. The combination with a meter, of an indicator, a coin-actuatedmechanism for advancing it in one direction, means controlled by themeter for determining its movement in the contrary direction, said meanscomprising a movable part moved by the meter and adjustable to vary therate of payment, and a retarding device for regulating the movement ofsaid movable part.

25. The combination with a meter of an indicator tending to move in onedirection, an escapement for controlling such movement, and means foroperating the stop-arm of said escapement under control of thetotalizing mecl anism of the meter, a means comprising a traveler formedas a toothed sector, driven by the totalizing mechanism forintermittently engagingits teeth to displace the sector, means engagingsaid teeth to hold the sector displaced, means for releasing it topermit it to return to its starting-point, and a retarding dash-pot forregulating its return movement.

26. The combination with a meter of an indicator tending to move in onedirection, and an escapment for controlling such movement comprising acam-wheel geared up from the indicator and an escape-wheel geared upfrom the cam-wheel, an escapement-arm having a releasingpallet adaptedto engage said escapewheel and moved by the totalizing mechanism of themeter, and an escapement-arm having a stop-pallet displaced by saidcam-wheel to stop the escape-wheel.

27. The combination with a meter of an indicator tending to move in onedirection, and an escapement for controlling such movement comprising acam-wheel geared up from the indicator, an escape-wheel geared up fromthe cam-wheel, and means under control of the totalizing mechanism ofthe meter adapted to release the escape-wheel and permitit to turnfreely during a given movement of the camwheel, and thereupon undercontrol of the latter to stop the escape-wheel.

28. The combination with a meter of an indicator, and a three-motionescapement for controlling its movement comprising a camwheel geared upfrom the indicator, an escapewheel geared up from the cam-wheel, anescapement-arm moved by the totalizing mechanism to release theescape-wheel, a stop-arm moved by the cam-wheel to stop the escapewheel,and means for restoring said escapement-arm and stop-arm to theiroriginal positions.

ITS

29. The combination with an electric meter of a rotary indicator havinga cam-recess, a coin-actuated mechanism for advancing it from a zeroposition to credit the coins inserted, a counting-down mechanismcontrolled by the meter for moving it backward toward said position, 'aswitch movable to close or break the circuit, and a lever-arm engagingsaid indicator entering its cam-recess in the zero position andconnected to said switch to operate the same upon the return of theindicator to its zero position.

30. The combination with an electric meter, of a credit-indicator, acoin-actuated mechanism for advancing it from a Zero position to creditthe coins inserted, a counting-down mechanism controlled by the meterfor moving it backward toward said position, said credit-indicatorhaving a cam-surface, a switch movable to close or break the circuit,and a connection between said switch and cam-surface adapted in the zeroposition to open the switch, and in other than the Zero position toclose the switch.

31. The combination with a meter of an indicator, means for imparting toit a constant tendency to move in a backward direction, a coin-actuatedmechanism for advancing it in a forward direction against the stress ofsaid means, and an escapement controlled by the meter for determiningits movement in the backward direction, said escapement comprising anescape-tooth receiving the stress of said means, and a stop-arm operatedby the totalizer of the meter and having a pallet, said pallet and toothhaving working faces relatively inclined to facilitate the releasingmovement.

32. The combination with a meter and its casing having totalizer-dials,of a coin-actuated mechanism, and a coin-discharge conduit for receivingthe coin therefrom, extending outside the casing vertically across thetotalizer-dials in a plane perpendicular thereto.

33. The combination with a meter, of a credit-indicator movable forwardor backward, the position of which corresponds to the unexpended creditof inserted coins, means tending to move it in a backward direction,multiplying-gearing driven by it durino: its backward movement, acoin-actuated mechanism adapted for moving it forward by definite stepsagainst the stress of said means to credit the coins inserted, and meanscontrolled by the meter engaging said multiplying-gearing for releasingit and permitting the indicator to move backward to debit the value ofthe commodity measured.

34. The combination with a meter, of a credit-indicator, means tendingto move it in a backward direction, multiplyinggearing driven by itduring its backward movement, a coin-actuated mechanism for moving itforward to credit the coins inserted, and an escapement controlled bythe meter engaging said multiplying-gearing for releasing it at definiteintervals and permitting the indicator to move backward to debit thevalue of the commodity measured.

35. The combination with an electric meter, of a credit-ind icator, acoin-actuated mechanism for advancing it from a zero position to creditthe coins inserted, a counting-down mechanism controlled by the meterfor moving it backward toward said position comprisingmultiplying-gearing driven by said inclicator during its backwardmovement, said credit-indicator having a cam-surface, a switch movableto close or break the circuit, and a connection between said switch andcam-surface adapted in the Zero position to open the switch, and inother than the zero position to close the switch and hold it closed.

In witness whereof I have hereunto signed my name in the presence of twosubscribing

